How to Choose the Right Permanent Makeup Technique: Ombré, Nano, or Combo?

How to Choose the Right Permanent Makeup Technique for Your Brows

Permanent makeup or cosmetic tattoo for eyebrows has come a long way in the last decade. Gone are the days of harsh, blocky brows—today’s techniques offer elegant, natural-looking results that suit every face shape and skin type. But with multiple options like Ombré Powder Brows, Nano Brows, and Combo Brows available, how do you know which technique is right for you?

This guide will help you understand the differences between these techniques so you can make a confident, informed decision.

1. Understanding the Techniques

Ombré Powder Brows

Ombré brows are created using a machine to implant pigment in tiny, pin-like dots, resulting in a soft gradient shaded effect—lighter at the front, and sometimes at the top, of the brow and darker at the end. The final look mimics the effect of brow powder or tint, providing a polished yet natural result. This can be also done with a hand-held tool.

Nano Brows (Nano Hair Strokes)

Nano brows are a more advanced version of microblading. Using an ultra-fine single-needle machine, nano strokes replicate the appearance of individual brow hairs by depositing continuous dots. They offer more precision, less trauma to the skin, and longer-lasting results than traditional microblading.

Combo Brows

Combo brows are exactly what they sound like—a hybrid technique that combines nano hair strokes at the front of the brow with shading throughout the rest. This method offers the softness of hair strokes with the fullness and structure of shading.

2. Why Microblading Isn’t Offered at Vita Felice Medi Spa?

Microblading, while still popular, comes with significant downsides. It involves manually creating small cuts in the skin to mimic hair strokes and implant pigment. Over time, repeated microblading can cause scarring, pigment migration, and blurred results—especially on oily or sensitive skin types.

Health professionals and leading experts increasingly caution against microblading for those reasons.

3. Choosing the Right Technique Based on Skin Type

Your skin type plays a major role in how pigment heals and lasts.

• Oily Skin: Powder brows are almost always the best choice. Nano hair strokes can be done but may blur or fade more quickly on oily skin.
• Dry to Normal Skin: All techniques work well, with better pigment retention and definition.
• Sensitive or Thin Skin: Nano or powder brows are recommended over microblading, which can be too aggressive.

Oily skin has larger pores and higher sebum production, which can affect how ink settles in the skin and its long-term retention.

4. Choosing Based on Existing Cosmetic Tattoo or Natural Brow Hair

• Previously Tattooed Brows: Powder brows are often the best way to blend or correct past work, especially if you want to neutralize discoloration or reshape old cosmetic tattooing.
• Full, Thick Brows: If you already have a good amount of natural brow hair and just want definition or a more polished look, ombre powder brows are ideal.
• Sparse Brows or Alopecia: Nano or combo brows work well to recreate the illusion of hair where there is little or none, or powder brows for make-up effect.

5. Considering the Final Look: “Natural” Doesn’t Always Mean Hair Strokes

A common misconception is that hair strokes are always the most natural option. In reality, well-done ombré brows can look just as natural—sometimes more so—especially when blended seamlessly into your existing brow hair.

Powder brows also offer a “makeup-ready” look that’s incredibly versatile. You can wake up with brows that look like they’ve been softly filled in with a brow pencil—effortless and flattering.

6. Healing, Maintenance, and Longevity

• Powder Brows: Heal faster and usually fade more evenly over time. Touch-ups are typically needed every 12–24 months.
• Nano Brows: Heal beautifully on the right skin type, but may need more frequent touch-ups than powder brows.
• Combo Brows: Healing depends on which areas received more shading or strokes, but they offer a balanced, long-lasting look.

Aftercare is critical for all techniques—avoiding exercising, sweating, picking, and exfoliating products during the healing period helps ensure the pigment settles well and lasts longer.

In Summary: What’s Best for You?

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to permanent makeup. Whether you want a barely-there enhancement or something bolder, the key is choosing the right technique for your skin, lifestyle, and preferences. At Vita Felice Medi Spa, we’ll walk you through a thorough consultation to help determine the best method for you—ensuring beautiful, safe, and lasting results. Contact us today to find out your options.